Are School Uniforms A Good Idea?
Over the past few years, many school boards
have debated the issue of students wearing school uniforms. Several schools have
introduced this rule into school policy, while several others are still
discussing the subject. Although wearing uniforms is a minor change for
students, it is an effective and much needed one.
Wearing school uniforms can be helpful in many ways. First,
having matching outfits can make all students feel equal. Poor students would no
longer feel excluded because they were not wearing name brand clothing like the
richer kids. In addition, social status would be less of an issue because
everyone would be wearing the same clothing. One of the biggest arguments
against school uniforms is that students would lose their sense of
individuality. I believe that uniforms will improve students’ individuality
because they will have to express themselves through their personality and
attitude, rather than through an expensive pair of shoes or a brand name pair of
jeans. Uniforms will improve self-esteem in the students because they will not
feel pressured to dress a certain way.
Secondly, uniforms will allow more time for studying.
Students who have to wear a uniform will spend less time shopping and more time
studying than those who do not have to wear uniforms. Also, students will be
more focused on their schoolwork than worrying about what they will wear the
next day. Students will arrive at school earlier because they will not be trying
on several different outfits each morning. Having an outfit already chosen for
students is one less thing for them to worry about in their already stressful
lives.
Most importantly, school uniforms will save money. Parents
will no longer have to spend a fortune on school clothes because they will only
need to buy a few uniforms. Of course, parents will still have to buy their kids
clothes for weekends, but the quantity of clothes that they buy will be lowered.
While most students will disagree, every school should
introduce uniforms into its policy. Students should go to school to learn and
not have to worry about being judged by the clothes they are wearing. Uniforms
will not only improve the atmosphere of the school, but will also raise the
self-esteem of most students and save money for most parents.